Former NM Governor Honored For Fighting Horse Slaughter

More political and celebrity attention should be paid to what is happening to the horses of the United States. Former Governor Bill Richardson took a stand against Valley Meat. He could have chosen a more lucrative path… instead he did the right thing. Kudos to HSUS for naming him the “2013 Humane Horseman of the Year”. HfH

Photo: The Humane Society of the United States is honoring former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for his efforts to help prevent horse slaughter in the U-S. Photo courtesy of HSUS

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is honoring former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson for his efforts to help prevent horse slaughter in the U.S. Keith Dane, HSUS vice president for equine protection, said the organization recently named Richardson its “2013 Humane Horseman of the Year.”

Richardson’s high-profile involvement is helpful, Dane said, as Valley Meat Company continues to try to open a horse slaughterhouse near Roswell.

“It helps to draw attention to the plight of horses that are meeting this end, and certainly helps in our fight to keep horse-slaughter plants in the United States closed,” Dane said.

Richardson and Robert Redford started the Foundation to Protect New Mexico Wildlife, which is focused on protecting horses, Dane explained. They also joined the Humane Society’s lawsuit last year to stop Valley Meat from opening a horse slaughterhouse, he added. That lawsuit was not successful.

Even if Valley Meat opens a slaughterhouse, it is unlikely that Congress would fund the USDA inspections required for the facility to operate, Dane warned. If that happens, Dane said Valley Meat could legally kill horses, but would be unable to process and sell the meat. He noted that broad public and political opposition to horse slaughter reaches all the way to the White House.

Have fun while helping the spread the news about Habitat for Horses with our Facebook St Patrick’s Day Horse Photo Contest. Go to https://www.facebook.com/Habitat.for.Horses.organd click on the St Patty’s Day Photo Contest Link to find out more.